Scotland’s rainforest is brilliant for wildlife, but that does include ticks. If you’re out and about in the rainforest this summer, it’s good to be aware of these tiny terrors, and take some precautions to keep yourself safe. Here are ten facts to ‘tick’-off before you go.

1) Ticks aren’t insects

They’re actually arachnids, like spiders, more obvious when you see them up close as they have eight legs.

2) Ticks are a normal part of the ecosystem

Ticks are a food source for birds, small mammals and even insects. They help transfer nutrients from larger animals to smaller ones, and also play host to bacteria.

3) There are several different species of tick found in Scotland

Different animals attract different tick species, but ticks can be a bit opportunistic and some species will munch on anything that goes past – including us. The commonest tick in Scotland is the so-called deer or sheep tick, (Ixodes ricinus), but you’ll also find hedgehog ticks (Ixodes hexagonus) and fox ticks (Ixodes canisuga). Many bird species have their own specialist ticks, as do bats, (and even rabbits), but these are rarely a problem for humans.

4) Ticks are found in many different habitats

You’ll commonly find ticks in woodland, particularly on undergrowth like ferns and grasses. But you can also encounter them in many damp environments, including beside bogs and in grassland areas. Most problems are encountered in rural areas, particularly in the west and in the Highlands, but it’s perfectly possible to get bitten in your own garden or in a city park.

5) Ticks can’t fly or jump

You pretty much have to walk into a tick for it to end up on you, though if you’re sitting on the ground they can crawl your way. They can’t jump, and they can’t fly, so if you avoid brushing up against undergrowth or going into areas they might be lurking, you’re less likely to get bitten.

Deer keds look a little bit like ticks with wings, and these can be a problem in the late summer and autumn too. But they’re biting flies rather than ticks. They shed their wings after landing on a host, so confusion is possible. But look for six legs instead of eight if you’re not sure.

6) Tick populations may be going up in Scotland

Scientists have predicted that tick numbers will go up as a result of our warming climate. That doesn’t just mean higher populations in the areas they’re already found. It also means they may start to spread into areas they can’t currently live, particularly in more extreme environments, like mountain sides. They may also become more of a problem all year round, rather than just from spring-autumn.

7) Ticks can carry Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness that’s caused by a bacteria called Borrelia. Animals, like deer, are often infected with the bacteria, and if a tick bites the deer and then bites a human, they can pass it on. It’s more likely to happen if the tick is attached for a long time, or if the tick is badly removed.

Lyme disease causes lots of health problems, many of which don’t manifest for years, so it’s really important to be aware of the issue, avoid tick bites if you can, and follow the proper procedure if you are bitten.

Putting on insect repellent can discourage ticks from biting. Credit, John MacPherson

8) You can keep yourself safer from ticks

There are lots of different ways to keep yourself safe from ticks when you’re out in Scotland’s rainforest, and beyond.

First of all, it’s a good idea to cover up, with long sleeves, trousers instead of shorts, and trouser bottoms tucked into socks (it’s a good look!). You could also wear gaiters, or wellies, anything to avoid giving the tick easy access to your skin.

Insect repellent can also help.

Avoid diving into the undergrowth if you can, as brushing up against plants is often how a tick comes into contact with a host. Stick to paths.

There’s mixed advice on lighter or darker clothes, but generally lighter clothes may attract ticks more, but they also make them easier to spot, so swings and roundabouts.

Check yourself often if you’ve been in striding through the ferns and bracken. A quick look to see if anything is crawling enthusiastically up your leg, and then a quick flick if there is, can save you problems later!

Ticks come in different sizes, depending on the stage of their life cycle. They can be tiny, so you need to look carefully.

After a day out in the wood, give yourself a good check over, and do it again the next morning. Tick bites don’t hurt, and they can be easy to miss. They may go red, they may not.

9) What to do if you find a tick

Don’t panic! Most ticks don’t carry any diseases, and if you remove them within 24 hours, any risk is very low.

Use a proper tick remover to get it out as soon as you can, or fine tweezers will also do it. Don’t use salt, oil or burn it, just use the tick remover.

If you can’t reach it, find a good friend to take it out for you. If you don’t have the tools or don’t feel confident to safely remove it, find medical assistance if you can.

Keep an eye on the bite for a few weeks looking for the classic bullseye rash forming, and if you see that, go to your GP. Also watch out for flu-like symptoms.

10) Check your dog too

Dogs are terrible at staying out of undergrowth. If you like walking with your pooch through the woods, you’ll need to give them a good check afterwards too.

For more information on ticks, visit:

https://www.lymeresourcecentre.com/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/activities/our-trails/check-for-ticks

Ten tick facts